"It all started two weeks ago when he told me he loved me, and I was really confused. I didn't know how to react or what to say, as I had never fallen in love before. So, all I did was walk away, leaving him alone on the quiet streets. I felt a little bad for not giving him a reply, but I was sure I didn't experience the kind of feelings he talked about, or maybe I wasn't capable of having such feelings.
I hadn't been picking up any of his calls, and here my phone was ringing. I didn't pick up the first time, or the second time, but then I decided to pick up the third time.
"Hello," I broke the long silence between us. "How are you doing?" I asked.
"Nothing much, just the usual. Can we meet up?" he asked.
"Sure, what time and venue?" I replied.
"Victoria Garden at 10. Bye," he hung up.
I went straight to my room to freshen up, wore my favorite purple silk dress, tied my hair in a bun, and put on a white chiffon veil and white heels. I arrived at Victoria Park on time. Since it wasn't a weekend, the park was almost empty, which was why I think he chose this location. It was a really beautiful place with plenty of flowers and a fresh breeze.
I waited for a while before I saw him walking towards me. I couldn't deny that he looked handsome today, wearing a purple kaftan dress, black cover shoes, and white ear pads, which made him look even more dashing, or maybe it was his new haircut. Harun is a handsome, light-skinned guy with good physiques that any normal lady would like to spend the rest of her life with. But the truth is that I was far from any normal lady, or would I say I was abnormal?
We exchanged greetings, and he drew a chair in front of me and sat down. It took some time before he broke the silence.
"You see, the universe wants us to be couples; we're even wearing matching outfits." I took a look at our outfits and realized we would actually look like couples to anyone passing by.
"Really?" I said sarcastically.
"About the other day, I'm sorry for leaving like that. Can we still be friends?" I asked.
"I just felt kind of awkward; it wasn't something I was expecting."
He stopped me mid-sentence, smiled, and said, "Shhh! You talk too fast; calm down."
I laughed and said, "Okay, boss."
A waiter came to take our orders.
"What would you like to order, sir?"
"Get us two smoothies," he replied, turning to me and asking, "What flavor would you like?"
I would have just said any flavor, but I have an allergy to pineapples.
"She would like any flavor but pineapple, please."
I was so surprised how he remembered all the little details about my health, and I let out a faint smile.
We discussed some random issues, and he was really funny, always making me laugh. With time, I stopped feeling awkward.
It took some time before we got our smoothies, and I took a sip. It was really nice.
I was more focused on the delicious smoothie when I almost choked upon hearing him say, "You look so cute, even when drinking a smoothie. How am I not supposed to like you?"
There was a little awkwardness around.
"Harun, I don't..."
He stopped me mid-sentence, saying, "Don't tell me you don't love me, because I know you do. Even if you don't, I'd love to make you."
I was taken aback by his words and confused.
All I could mutter was, "It can't work."
He looked determined to convince me.
"Khaira, why do you think it won't work? Why don't you like me? I can change all my behaviors. Or do you like any other guy?"
"We've been friends for four years now, and I know I'm the closest guy to you. I've always felt this way towards you since day one. I want us to be more than friends."
I was thrilled by his confidence, and he wasn't wrong; he was the closest guy to me.
"I don't want the friendship between us to end sadly," I said. "I like the way we are."
He smiled, and I continued, "I don't have any feelings for you. I don't know how it feels to be in love."
He looked at me with much love filled in his eyes and said, "I love you. I haven't felt this way about someone my entire life, and I know it's too early to say this, but I picture myself with you for the rest of my life
I looked him in the eye, but all I could see was a serious man who really wanted me in his life. At that point, I was so sure that if I suggested he meet my father, he would gladly agree.
"I love you," he repeated. "I haven't felt this way about someone my entire life, and I know it's too early to say this, but I picture myself with you for the rest of my life."
He took one of my hands in his, which surprised me; he had never done that, even after four years of friendship.
"Okay, date me for 15 days," he said. "We'll go on 15 outings together and spend most of our time together. If I'm unable to make you fall in love with me, then we can break up."
I was taken aback by his proposal. No one had ever asked me out on a date like that before.
"Think about it," he said, his eyes locked on mine. "I'll be waiting for your answer."
With that, he stood up, pulled me to my feet, and walked me out of the park.
As we parted ways, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to change forever.